Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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Press Releases

09/19/2019

Department of Public Health Reports two additional Cases of Severe Lung Injury Related to Vaping, for a total of 13 cases; one person currently hospitalized

Consumers should avoid buying vaping products off the street or from another person, including a friend

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today is reporting that it has learned of two more Connecticut residents who have been hospitalized for severe lung injury possibly related to using e-cigarettes or vaping, bringing the total to 13 cases that have been reported to DPH. Twelve of the 13 patients have now been discharged from hospitals. The 13 cases involve residents from five of our counties:  Fairfield (7), New Haven (3), New London (1), Tolland (1), and Windham (1).

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is participating in the national investigation of vaping-related lung illnesses that is being led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  So far, DPH has interviewed 9 of the 13 patients with vaping-related lung injury.  All nine reporting using vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive component of the marijuana plant.  These products were purchased from another person (6 cases), bought from a dispensary (1 case), purchased but not from a dispensary (1 case), and given product by another person (1 case).  Three of the nine reported using e-cigarette products containing nicotine, in addition to products containing THC. 

“I am asking Connecticut residents to consider not using e-cigarette or vaping products while the investigation is ongoing and the search for the exact causes of these lung illnesses continues,” said DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell.  “If you chose to continue vaping, you should avoid buying vaping products off the street or from another person, including a friend.”

As of September 17, 2019, 530 cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Until more is known about the exact cause or causes of these illnesses: 

More information about the investigation can be found on CDC’s webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#latest-outbreak-information